“3000 Years With Ottilie“ Reissue 2023
Sunbeam Records SBRLP5116 (LP)
Sunbeam Records SBDP1105 (CD)
Ottilie Patterson was Ireland’s finest blues vocalist and also an excellent jazz and folk singer. She was engaged by Chris Barber at the end of December 1954, and their first performance together took place in January 1955. From then until 1962, Ottilie toured relentlessly with Chris Barber’s Jazz Band in Europe and the United States. Through numerous concerts, radio and television appearances, as well as the release of many records, Ottilie Patterson became a crucial figure in the band’s success. She received great acclaim throughout Europe, and even American blues musicians and audiences reportedly held her singing in high regard. Ottilie was a remarkable talent, distinguished by her vocal prowess, captivating performances, instinctive feeling, and authentic rendition of jazz and blues.
However, due to the stress and strain of constant touring, performing on stage, and recording in the studio, Ottilie began experiencing throat problems from 1963 onwards, leading to a reduction in her regular appearances with Chris Barber. In 1973, she officially retired from the band due to her deteriorating health. Nonetheless, they continued to collaborate sporadically until she finally quit the music business.
Parallel to her work as a vocalist in the Chris Barber band, she also recorded some non-jazz/blues material. On the 1959 album “Ottilie’s Irish Night” (Pye Nixa NPL 18028), she demonstrated her skill as a folk singer, always capable of adapting to a more pensive approach. Ottilie interpreted traditional songs she had known since childhood, supported by her sister Jessie, Irish musicians from Ulster, and friends. Chris Barber, as the bass player, was also involved.
Ten years later, she recorded the ambitious solo album “3000 Years With Ottilie” (Marmalade 608011), her first release without Chris Barber. With this album, released in July 1969, Ottilie Patterson significantly expanded her repertoire. Although this 14-track album is not easily approachable, it gradually reveals its fantastic, peculiar, and touching qualities just after repeated listening. It appears that she took the opportunity to experiment with her own musical ideas while being guided by her literary preferences, singing her own songs alongside Shakespearean sonnets and titles adapted from the Old Testament, Gaelic and medieval Latin poetry. She even included intimate songs about her unhappiness, such as ‘Please Accept My Apologies, Mrs. Pankhurst’ and ‘The Sound Of The Door As It Closes.’ The musical accompaniment was congenially provided by an orchestra conducted by Richard Hill. Thus, encompassing a range of ancient and modern songs, touching various musical realms, the album becomes a powerful and poignant expression of Ottilie Patterson’s unique personality.
Regrettably, the Marmalade label folded in 1970, and the 1971 reissue of “3000 Years With Ottilie” titled “Spring Song” (Polydor 2384 031), with a different track order and one omission, did not achieve much success. However, “3000 Years With Ottilie” eventually gained cult status and became a highly sought-after collector’s item. In April 2023, the long-awaited reissue became available on Sunbeam Records SBRLP5116. This limited edition includes a 7″ LP with detailed background notes and rare images, a single with two bonus tracks not featured on the original album (including the outstanding ‘The Bitterness Of Death’), and a promotional card reproduction. In June 2023, “3000 Years With Ottilie” was additionally released on CD (Sunbeam Records SBDP1105). Both the LP and CD versions can be purchased from local and online retailers, as well as well-known internet platforms.
Dr. Peter Brennecke, 08 July 2023
